On Wednesday, May 21, 2014 7:38:45 PM UTC-7, Tim Wescott wrote:
I want to make some stuff out of carbon fiber plate, about 0.06 or 0.09 inch thick (I'm not sure which). Like this stuff: http://www.rockwestcomposites.com/products/402-612 I need to whack out rectangles of the stuff, make tidy rectangular holes in them, and then make numerous drilled holes (16x, 0.1" diameter). Is it even possible to work on this stuff with hand tools? Will a hacksaw blade or coping saw even make a dent in it? (I don't mind if I have to replace a lot of blades -- that's why they're made disposable, after all). Or should I be thinking in terms of figuring out how to clamp it into my mill and cut it with solid carbide cutters? How nasty is the dust? Any other bits of wisdom are appreciated. -- Tim Wescott Wescott Design Services http://www.wescottdesign.com

Made some shapes out of rockwest 0.03 carbon sheet. The easest way to cut compled shapes is send it to a water jet company. Water jet into cabon does not like holes but once they are pierced it cuts well,